District 1 candidates answer Focus questions
By Mike Steely
Senior Writer
steelym@knoxfocus.com
First District Knoxville City Councilman and Vice Mayor Tommy Smith is not seeking a second term this year, and four South Knoxville residents are on the nonpartisan primary ballot to replace him.
The Knoxville Focus asked each candidate to respond to four questions, and their complete replies are provided below in the order they responded. The primary election is August 26 and the two top vote-getters will move on to the November 4 general election. The council has nine members, and this year’s city elections will result in five new members.
What qualifies you to seek the office?
Becky Jones: As a lifelong South Knoxville resident and a strong supporter of our frontline workers and police officers, I am running to restore common sense to the Knoxville City Council.
Charles Van Morgan: I’m a lifelong Vol fan, a proud Knoxvillian, and a graduate of the University of Tennessee. I hold a Master of Arts in Criminology from UT, a Juris Doctor, and a Bachelor of Science in Business. I’m the most qualified candidate on the ballot when it comes to education that directly applies to solving real problems for Knoxville residents. I’ve also lived through government corruption firsthand—giving me a unique perspective and a deeper commitment to honest, accountable leadership.
Lindsey Jaremko: The legal qualifications for this office are living in the district, being of age, and not having a felony—and I meet all of them. Beyond that, I’m a licensed social worker, a public servant, and an active resident of District One. I’m also deeply committed to protecting this district’s right to choose our own representation. I’ve consistently advocated for transparency, accountability, and fairness in government—through direct services, policy work, and grassroots organizing. I understand how systems work, where they fail people, and how to make them better.
Karyn Adams: The role of a City Council person requires experience working with people, the ability to listen and understand diverse perspectives, engagement and knowledge of a community, the commitment to rise above “us vs. them” narratives and work for real solutions. My experience as a mother, business owner, non-profit leader, community advocate, and my active service on the Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission have all prepared me to lead District 1 – South Knoxville and Fort Sanders. From grassroots work preserving greenspaces and helping neighborhoods amplify their voices and concerns, to my experience with public-private partnerships and difficult land use decisions, my hands-on, community-oriented leadership approach is what prepares me for the job ahead. Our District is experiencing opportunities and challenges like never before. Finding the path forward for smart and sustainable growth is one that requires collaboration and productive working relationships with all stakeholders — from individuals to neighborhoods, to the City and beyond. I’m ready to put my experience to work for all of South Knoxville and Fort Sanders.
What is the district’s largest problem?
Jones: Through conversations with voters in my district and my lifelong experience living here, I’ve identified the biggest issues as the growing homelessness crisis, concerns about public safety, the lack of quality shopping and dining options in South Knoxville, and high taxes.
Van Morgan: It’s not just one issue—it’s really three major problems, each one important to a large number of voters I’ve spoken with. First, the rising cost of living is pushing families and seniors to the edge. Second, our infrastructure is crumbling—our roads and sidewalks weren’t built for today’s traffic and growth. And third, homelessness is growing, with no real plan in place to address it in a way that protects both public safety and human dignity. These problems are connected, and District One deserves leadership that will take them seriously—not ignore them like the current city hall has done. I’m ready to bring real solutions to the table.
Jaremko: People in this district feel like decisions are being made without them, and they’re right. From how development is approved to how budgets are passed, there’s a growing disconnect between the people who live here and the people in power. We’re facing rising costs, worsening displacement, and shrinking public input. The biggest problem isn’t one single issue—it’s that working people don’t have real power in how the city is run. That’s what I’m running to change.
Adams: The 1st District is experiencing incredible growth and its associated pressures – housing affordability, homelessness, infrastructure needs, and the risk of losing one of our greatest assets, greenspaces and natural resources. These are challenges that can be addressed productively, if we are intentional about our growth and if we ensure the community’s voice is at the table. South Knoxville and Fort Sanders are some of our City’s most impactful places, with the University, the Urban Wilderness, the River, historic neighborhoods, hospitals, airports, and yes, the Sunsphere. We also have some of our cities strongest neighborhoods – Vestal, Lake Forest, Colonial Village, Island Home, South Woodlawn, South Haven, Lindbergh Forest, South Waterfront, and many more. With these assets and connected citizens, we can meet the challenges that we have and make our district ever stronger, ever more welcoming, and ever more the place that we are all proud to call home.
Make a statement about the outgoing city council person.
Jones: The current city council member failed to prioritize South Knoxville residents by not serving as an independent voice focused on their needs over political agendas. During his tenure, homelessness has worsened, taxes have increased, businesses have closed, and illegal immigration has been ignored. District 1 needs a representative who puts residents first, not another rubber stamp for special interest agendas.
Van Morgan: The outgoing councilman acted more like a company man than a representative of the people. He didn’t fight for District One, and our neighborhoods were often used as a testing ground for pet projects that didn’t serve us well.
Jaremko: Vice Mayor Smith served during a difficult time, and I appreciate anyone willing to put themselves forward for public service. I think many residents are ready for a change in direction and leadership style—one that’s more rooted in neighborhood accountability and everyday concerns.
Adams: Tommy Smith is District 1’s current Council Member and is also Vice Mayor. He knows his constituents and works diligently to understand their concerns and be present for their needs. He is term-limited and cannot run again. But the model that he has set is one that shows what engaged leadership involves – time, community, and building consensus to get what our District needs and deserves
Do you support the sales tax increase referendum on the November ballot?
Jones: I oppose the proposed sales tax increase. As a city council member, I will focus on cutting wasteful spending to enable a modest reduction in the property tax rate, providing relief to homeowners still burdened by the significant 2022 property tax hike.
Van Morgan: Not in its current form. However, I would support it if we could simultaneously lower the property tax rate and instead raise the local sales tax. That way, tourists and out-of-town visitors who benefit from our city services would help contribute to Knoxville’s budget—easing the tax burden on working families and helping address our housing affordability crisis by reducing property-related costs.
Jaremko: No. I do not support the proposed sales tax increase—or any potential property tax increase that may follow if the sales tax fails in November. We can’t keep asking working people and retirees to shoulder the costs of bad decisions by the current leadership. I believe we need to re-evaluate how our city spends its current budget before asking for more from the people who already have the least.
Adams: It would be easy, and probably more satisfying, to say I am for or against the proposed local option sales tax. The harder position to hold is the one that requires more work – genuinely listening to what voters are saying, engaging with the City to push for greater details on the proposal, and working to ensure that if it passes in November it is actually spent on its designated purposes. Here’s what I know having worked and lived in the 1st District for 22 years – people want infrastructure improvements (especially more affordable housing and sidewalks). But to date, the City has not provided enough detail on the sales tax expenditures in the 5-Year Plan for voters to feel confident in the proposal. It is July. The vote is in November. That’s five months away. As more information is provided, and as I push for more definition from the City for how our District will (or will not) benefit, I will be able to define my position.
